Commissioner Ellis Responds to Texas AG’s Lawsuit to Stop Harris County Community Prosperity Program

Jo-Carolyn Goode | 9/19/2024, 1:41 p.m.
In the ever-evolving political landscape of Texas, Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis is not one to shy away from a …
Commissioner Rodney Ellis

In the ever-evolving political landscape of Texas, Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis is not one to shy away from a battle—especially when it involves lifting his community toward a brighter future. The latest skirmish? A bold move by the **Texas Attorney General’s Office** to halt Harris County’s groundbreaking Community Prosperity Program, designed to address long-standing inequalities and provide direct investments into economically disadvantaged communities.

In response, Commissioner Ellis delivered a powerful statement that not only underscores his commitment to Harris County’s underserved residents but also calls out what he deems as an obstruction to progress.

"Stopping the **Community Prosperity Program** isn’t just a setback for Harris County—it’s a setback for fairness and opportunity in the state of Texas," Ellis declared with his characteristic vigor. "We cannot allow this lawsuit to halt the upward trajectory of our most vulnerable communities."

The Battle Over Prosperity

The Harris County Community Prosperity Program was envisioned as a bold initiative aimed at stimulating economic growth, creating jobs, and building a more equitable future for marginalized communities. By focusing on underserved areas, the program seeks to funnel resources into these neighborhoods to uplift residents and businesses alike. In short, it’s about tackling poverty head-on, one community at a time.

But the Texas Attorney General’s lawsuit argues that the program overreaches its bounds, presenting legal challenges that now place its implementation on hold. For Ellis and many community advocates, this lawsuit feels like an affront to justice.

A Legacy of Leadership

This isn’t Commissioner Ellis’ first rodeo when it comes to facing down opposition for the sake of his constituents. Throughout his tenure, Ellis has championed a range of causes from criminal justice reform to economic equity. His work has left an indelible mark on Harris County, and the Community Prosperity Program is just another chapter in that legacy.

"For decades, communities in Harris County have been systematically underserved, their voices silenced, and their potential untapped," Ellis said. "The Prosperity Program is about giving people a seat at the table and the tools they need to build wealth, security, and a future they can count on."

Community Reaction and Future Battles

Support for the program has poured in from various corners of Harris County, with community leaders and local advocates expressing frustration over the lawsuit. Many see it as yet another political maneuver to maintain the status quo, denying progress to communities that need it most.

As the legal battle heats up, one thing is clear: Rodney Ellis isn’t backing down. His unwavering support for economic justice remains as strong as ever, and he’s ready to take this fight all the way to the courtroom if necessary.

Looking Ahead

The future of the Harris County Community Prosperity Program hangs in the balance, but one thing is for sure: Commissioner Rodney Ellis will continue to stand at the forefront of the fight for equity and opportunity. With his passion and relentless pursuit of justice, it’s clear that this is only the beginning of what promises to be a monumental battle for Harris County’s future.

As Ellis himself put it, "We won’t stop fighting until every community in Harris County has the chance to prosper."

Commissioner Ellis' Full Response

“Harris County will continue to fight so that every family in the County has access to the opportunities and resources they need to prosper.


Meanwhile, Ken Paxton will stop at nothing to prevent Harris County from investing in families. His latest attack on Harris County families that are struggling under the weight of economic inequality proves that he is on a crusade to score political points and protect a system that makes the rich even richer while starving seniors, children, parents, and working people of the resources they need to get ahead.


This isn’t a game for the people who are trying to take care of their families, put food on the table, and build a better future. They deserve better and I will keep fighting for them.”

 

 For more info, visit https://www.hcp1.net/CommissionerEllis